Gotta Feelin' Friday - Week 4 - Calling All PiF 500 Mile Club Members!

  

 What's on your mind?

How are your goals coming along?

Challenges or triumphs to share this week?

Training ideas, thoughts, suggestions, questions, tips.....?

How are you feelin' this week?

WELCOME to our newest club members!

Happy running, friends....TGIF!

Robin

A Very Special Thank You!

Earlier this week, I received a package in the mail and was

soooo excited when I opened it. 

Here's what was inside:

A fabulous (and totally f-u-n!!) tech running shirt....SCORE!!

There was also a reallly, really cool handmade,

hand-stamped 'friendship' card

 with three very special notes inside from three very special friends.

Funny part is, I was so darn excited about the shirt that I didn't even SEE the card until today.

Ha Ha! I AM a dork!!

HUGE, HAPPY, BLOGGY HUGS

AND HEARTFELT THANKS

go out to Kathy, Colleen, and Vicki,

my nearby (adjoining county) bloggy running buddies

who were kind enough to think of me during a recent race event.

How awesome is that???

Ladies,

You guys ROCK!!!

Hugs,

Robin

Thunderous Applause Thursday

It's our first week with the new format...
Welcome to Thunderous Applause Thursday!

Let's hear it for:

Lauren, who's running her "FIRST race ever" which will also be her first attempt to run since her hip injury at the beginning of the year:  Sat, 1/30/10,  Big D Texas Half 5K.   Lauren says, "I'm racing this Saturday. I say 'racing' because I have no idea whether I'll be walking or walking/running but whatever happens, happens!"  Go get 'em, Lauren! Sending you LOTS OF BLOGGY HUGS as you tackle your very first race!!

And to catch a follow-up to how Meg did last week in the Carlsbad Marathon, click here to read about her unbelievable dedication and mental effort that carried her through injuries, an overactive colon, and other race day issues.  Unbelievable (but true, as she reports).  Definitely a good read to learn about the results of training and carb loading, and how they affect race day, as well as the mental toughness that runners are typically packin'.  No sissies here, as she and BS tackle the course ... Game on! *On a ligher note, her Wed follow-up gives us a glimpse into postrace life, with great pics. Check it out!  :-)

Happy running, friends...

Robin

Wednesday Winner - Old School (and Tardy!)

Oops! Post got stuck in the queue and I'm just getting home....

Sorry for the delay today!

Hey Guys!

I didn't hear back from anyone this week for an interview (busy schedules, I know!), so I'm going old school with the old format, and sharing a few of our Turtles friends with you.  I'm hoping you'll visit their sites; each offers such a unique perspective on life.

I'd like to first introduce you to Kim, a bloggy friend who, I'm pretty certain, would be a buddy I'd get into lots of trouble with have fun with if she and I lived closer together, with so many quirky things in common. She and her hubby reside in one of my most fave cities, Chicago, and have an awesome cat, Data.  Kim's blog is about life, and she poses lots and lots of questions to start lots and lots of dialogue.... I LOVE that!  Her style is decidedly understated, graphically streamlined, and her design sensibilities shine through in her theme.  Stop by and see her at ilaxSTUDIO.  :-)

Another friend I'd like to introduce you to is Amanda, who's not only a member of the Pay it Forward 500 Mile Club, but is running WITH BABY.  Yep. She recently hit her 21-week mark and shared some cool maternity running outfits with us over on her blog, Adventures in our Funny Farm , where she shares stories about her life adventures in Charleston, SC.  While you're there, you might check out her food blog, too: Adventures in our Kitchen, where she shares great recipes, and the ups and downs of cooking.  :-) 

Hopefully, we'll be back to our new format next week, and I can share another great interview with you!

Until then, have a Happy Wednesday, visit these great gals, and be sure to tell them Robin said hello!

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Tuesday Training Tips, Topics, and Other Random Stuff

The Complete Runer's Day-by-Day Log/2010 Calendar
TRAINING TIP:

"Body piercings increase the risk of frostbite in those areas.  Lose the jewelry in freezing temps;  metal conducts low temperatures to your skin with frightening efficiency."

TOPIC:  Running Gear

Silly (but true) story ....

Right after Christmas, Lisa shared with us that she received a really cool Nike running cap with a hole for her ponytail.  I said to hubby, "Oh, I've got to find one of those!" since I wear a cap in the warm months and always wear my hair up when I run (how can you not?? I don't get that.. but that's another topic....) With the cooler cold recent temps, I was needing coverage for my ears and head. 

Fast-forward to postholiday shopping at the outlet mall. We spot the Nike store and I duck in for a quick peek around.  I'm looking for a warm cap (like a knit beanie). While I don't find a knit cap, I do find a really cool Nike 'skullcap.' Awesome! I'll take it! When we get home, we do our usual: pull all of our purchases out and 'model' them for each other.  Out comes my new skullcap (sounds so tough, doesn't it??)  As I'm looking it over, I notice a slit in it. "Oh no! It's ripped!" I wail like a 6 year old, only to realize 5 seconds later, it's the coveted ponytail hole that Lisa described! It was the one I wanted, but I didn't know I got it!  What a complete dork I am!!!  (DM friends, you already saw this, and even offered a few more suggestions for companies that support ponytailed runners... thank you!)

Great addition to my running gear collection.  Found it works well in 20 - 40 degree weather. Needed to put my ponytail a little lower for the cap to stay over my ears more securely.  I kept tugging on it during my first run with it. And with sunglasses, I look really 'gansta!'  Ha Ha ... a gangsta turtle. Now THAT'S funny!  :-)

RANDOM STUFF:

I turn 43 this month. Wow! Does anyone else find their chronological age hard to 'get'??  I'm totally okay with being 43.  In fact, I love being in my 40s, but where did the time go?? Weird. What I do like is having a little life experience while still maintaining which has enhanced my youthful, often silly/dorky outlook on the day-to-day 'life stuff' that happens, because really, it's all just stuff, isn't it?? Thank goodness for perspective that only comes with age.... if we let it, embrace it, and go with it - good, bad, or ugly.  Those who know me, know that it's not unusual for me to say, "It is what it is" which often irritates people, like, "Why doesn't she care?" but truth is, it's me 'letting go' and letting life be life. So, I'm enjoying my newest age and wishing each of you a Happy-Birthday-kind-of-day because every day should be a celebration of one sort or another, no matter how simple.  Have a terrific Tuesday, friends!  :-) 

My Thankful Three

Today, I am thankful for...

1.  My mom's recovery... she's doing well after emergency surgery late last week.
2.  My awesome birthday present from Hubby: new tires/alignment.  Such a practical girl. LOL

3.  Giveaway packages finally arriving...yay! Fun stuff for friends, new and old.

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Monday Motivation - Week 4

“One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular."

~ Anthony Robbins

How about you?

Will you decide to dabble or to focus and master this year?

Impromptu Shout-outs!

A few quick, last-minute shout-outs for new friends on the Turtles blog who shared their upcoming races (this weekend) with me, and I found made an extra ten minutes to send some bloggy love their way.

  

Meg, who, after some (apparent) vacillating, has decided to tackle the Carlsbad Marathon this Sunday (as in tomorrow!). You can read about her final decision to go for it here, as she describes her commitment to completing the race, come  he** or high water (and it seems the water may be rising!)... check out her ultra-cool boots, too. F-u-n! Hang on to your legs, Meg!  :-) 

Across the U.S., Libby, an enthusiastic new runner and a member of the Pay it Forward 500 Mile Club, shared on Friday's weekly update that some of her weekly mileage would come from her race today.  It seems she's been bitten by the race bug! Wishing Libby well as she takes on her second race in just two weeks:  the New Balance Ringling Bridge Run. Go, Libby!

And to ALL our friends who are racing this weekend.....

Rock your races!

(and send those race recap links for Thunderous Applause Thursday)

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Gotta Feelin' Friday - Week 3 Calling All PiF 500 Mile Club Members!

What's on your mind?

How are your goals coming along?

Challenges or triumphs to share this week?

Training ideas, thoughts, suggestions, questions, tips.....?

How are you feelin' this week?

 WELCOME to our newest club members!

Happy running, friends...and TGIF!

Robin

Starting Next Thursday.....Can You Hear It???

Hey Turtle Fans!

Love shout-outs?  Me, too!

Starting next Thursday (Jan 28th), look for THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE THURSDAY, a new weekly post that will list your upcoming race for that weekend OR a link to your recent race recap. 

Start e-mailing your race announcements to me (e-mail addy on my profile), and I'll begin building the first list for next week... don't be shy. Do what Tall Mom said yesterday in her Wednesday Winners interview: BRAG! 

The details
E-mail me with:
1. Race name, day/date, link (if you have it).
2. Tell me if there's something out of the ordinary that you'd like people to know: first-ever race, 50th marathon, running in honor of someone, etc...
3. Your blog name (if you have a blog), so I can link to you.

* If it's a race recap, same 411, please!
* If you don't have a blog, we still want to give you a shout-out, so send me your info.  :-)

Please send info one week before your race.

And if you miss the deadline, send me your recap link. No problemo!

Happy running, friends.... Have a terrific Thursday,

Robin 

Wednesday Winners - Meet Tall Mom

Happy Wednesday, everybody!

It's time to meet another bloggy running friend, one who calls the Northwest home and became an instant friend when she joined the Turtles blog bunch during its very first month.  She's a dedicated mom and wife, an awesome blogger, a super-speedy runner (seriously fast mile!!), and a joy to know.  I'm hoping to eventually meet her in person... but until then, I'm pleased to introduce her to you, though I suspect many of you already know this terrific lady. Perhaps you'll learn a little more about her today.....

Many of us call her Mel, but to the bloggy world she's affectionately known as

Tall Mom on the Run!

How would you describe yourself as a runner?

-  Swift and speedy

-  Slow and steady

-  Somewhere in between

A:  Somewhere in between. As a former Basketball player, I have speedy turnover. However, I often start too fast and teeter out at the end. I am hoping to channel all of my SPEED to my Eugene Marathon race on May 2nd. I would love to qualify for Boston!

Ageless and Beautiful…. Are you:

-  Tweaking the Twenties

-  Thinking through the Thirties

-   Forty-plus and Feeling Fine

A:  30 and proud of it, since 3 is my favorite number, this decade will be the best years for sure!

Are you:

-  A starting-line show-stopper

-  A middle-of-the-pack mover

-  A back-of-the-pack ‘better-late-than-not-at-all’ runner

-  Somewhere in between? If so, which ones?

A:  A starting-line show-stopper.  I like to be at the front and stay there if I can. In the SMALL races I can take home some hardware. This year I want to SLOW down and enjoy the view with friends. I have PR aspirations, but I also want to be a mover for fun!

How long have you been running and why did you start running?

A:  I started running to lose the weight I had gained after having 2 kids and YEARS of eating ice cream. My first race was the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5k in June 2008, I STRUGGLED to run the whole time and was PROUD to sneak out a sub 30 minute time. Once I signed up for my first Half Marathon I got hooked. I got my Garmin in December '09.  I have been a RUNNER for just over a year.

Favorite running gear and why?

A:  SPANDEX!! I have thighs and spandex help me to be comfortable over the miles. I also love my Garmin because I can run anywhere and know the miles and stats. Lately I have been running with a Golite handheld water bottle. I'm not good at stopping for water, so this will help me to keep mobile during races. I also love any gear with bright colors and fun prints.  (*Rumor has it: Tall Mom LOVES bright, neon green!)

What do you listen to when you run?

A:  A mishmash of tunes, I don’t care for anything too hardcore. When I was preparing my Marathon playlist I asked friends and family to send me a song to help me think of them along the way. I have not switched my playlist since June 2009. Think it is time to update.

What is something you cannot run without, and why?

A:  Garmin!! I like to take new routes and find PRETTY places to run….but I also want to know how far and how fast. Garmin gives me the freedom!

What race distance is your favorite and why?

A:  I Love the Half Marathon! I have only run 2, but my body really likes that distance. 5K and 10K are too fast, Marathon is too long, Half Marathon is just right!. If there were more 10 mile races, I think that would be my FAVORITE.

What time of day do you usually run, and why?

A:  Lunch hour during the week so I don’t take time away from my hubby and kiddos. And early AM on the weekends, same reason.

Treadmill, streets, or trails, and why?

A:  I prefer paved trails because there are miles and miles of uninterrupted running. In the Seattle area there are paved trails that travel along rivers and through the woods, very scenic and VERY beautiful. I will run the Streets when I have to but the stoplights and car exhaust are not fun.

What has been your most significant running-related learning experience to date?

A:  My first Marathon was a TOTAL learning experience. I over-hydrated, tried for a speedy pace on a tough course, and believed that my body could do something that I did not train for.  From that, I learned to respect the distance!!

What advice would you give to someone new to running?

A:  Keep at it! It will get easier.  Once running becomes a habit and something your body recognizes, you will no longer notice every ache and pain. Purchase good gear, especially shoes and socks. If you are getting blisters you are wearing the wrong footwear. Sign up for a race, and follow a training plan. It's a GREAT way to stay motivated and have a log of your progress. Find a running partner; the miles will pass quicker. ENJOY the journey.

Short-term and long-term running goals?

A:  Short-term: Qualify for Boston at the Eugene Marathon on May 2nd. (*We wish her luck!!)  Long-term: Stay injury free and connect with PEOPLE through my running. Have a LONG running career full of PRs, smiles, miles and friends.

Mileage goal for 2010?

A:  1,333…. I am hosting the 1,000+++ Club and I am so pleased to have over 125 people who are setting their goals high in 2010.

Do you have a blog, blog(s), or a website you’d like to share? If so, please list them.

A:  I started blogging about running in March of 2009.  Today, I can’t imagine my life without it. My amazing network of Virtual Friends who I go to for advice and encouragement, I hope to give back as much as I take. Please come visit me and leave a comment so I can come say “Hi”:

http://tallmomontherun.blogspot.com/

BONUS:  Anything goes..... Any additional info you’d like to share??

A: My personal philosophy is that people do not BRAG enough. No matter what it is, be PROUD and tell others about it. Those who applaud you are friends. Those who scoff wish they could do what you do. :-)

Thanks, Mel!

Happy running, friends.....

Robin

Two Miles Today... Woo Hoo!

I knocked out two miles early this morning, the first ones since the 'neck thing' a little over a week ago. 

I'm back in the saddle back in the Sauconys!  Woo Hoo!

Felt good to have the running shorts on and running shoes laced  up. Sweet! 

It was tough to roll out at 5:00 am, but I*made*myself*do*it(!). 

Stuck to the treadmill (controlled speeds and soft landing to protect the neck/back).  Warmed up with a 1/2 mile walk, did 1-minute speed intervals for a mile, and cooled down with a super-slow pace (fast walk/slow run) for another 1/2 mile.  Yay!  Baby steps....

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Tuesday Training Tips, Topics, and Other Random Stuff

TRAINING TIPS:
Those of you who've read my "100 Things' post know that I love calendars, quotes, and new bits of info, so it won't come as a big surprise that in December, while picking out several calendars, I picked up this cool running calendar/log, The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log 2010 Calendar (even though I already had 3 calendars for the new year, my 2010 RW calendar, and my running log!).  The reason for this awesome tool?  Its monthly essays and weekly training tips - valuable to runners and triathletes alike.   

Sooo..... starting this week, I'd like to share them with you each Tuesday because, in spite of all my running-related reading, I've already learned things in the first few weeks from the log.  I'll start w/ the weeks we've missed (because it's good stuff!), and add this week's, always citing the source: The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log 2010 Calendar. Perhaps you'll want your own copy?  Seems it's a very popular item and hard to come by after January 1st (Crazy list price now! I paid $13.99), but just in case you want to look for one, click here.

Week of Jan 4 - 10:

The runner's high is real. PET scans confirm that endorphins flood the brain after prolonged exercise. The amount and the effects on individual runners vary. *I wonder: is this why we're willing to run with/through pain???

Week of Jan 11 - 17:

Don't lengthen your stride for speed.  Focus on a faster turnover rate. *You should see my short turtle legs practicing this training strategy.  H-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s!

This week:

Wind dehydrates - even in winter.  Start your workout into the wind; do the return leg with it at your back. *Wish I would've read this before the recent horrendous long run that had me facing the wind for the final four miles. I went through 12 ounces of water/G2 that morning, and still needed more. 


TOPIC:   Water Bottles
Do you have a favorite water bottle? Which size is it? Which brand? Why is it your favorite?  Do you change water bottles for different kinds of runs?

I have a total of four, each bought when the one before it wasn't doing the trick, for one reason or another. Goldilocks and the 3 4 water bottles!  Had to find the one that was 'just right.'  I mentioned this during my recent post about what I've learned from fellow bloggy running buddies since I began this journey.

Turns out, 'just right' varies from run to run, but I do have one favorite in the bunch, mostly because it holds 10 ounces, has a 'bra' to hold on to (and holds on to me), and fits in my hand the best.

RANDOM STUFF:

Glad to have Monday off to put in some extra blog writing/reading time. Had a chance to visit some new friends' blogs today.  So much fun!  Looking forward to featuring each of you on the weekly Wednesday Winners post. Everyone has such interesting stories, each with a unique perspective, and all with healthy goals.  I'm so excited to be sharing your stories and helping build new friendships... such an amazing bunch of people!  By the way, I noticed we have a couple of guys who've joined the Turtles blog... my first male readers. Thank you! I hope you'll bring a different perspective to our conversations, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy running, friends....

Robin

Monday Motivation - Week 3

“Little by little, one walks far.”

~ Peruvian Proverb

How far will you travel this year:

physically, mentally, spiritually?

Looking For Our Next Wed Winner, Recent Training (Set-Backs), and Friends' Successes....

Hey Turtle Blog Friends! 

I sent out a few invitations to complete the interview questions for our Wed Winner post... still looking for this week's!  Are you out there??  I need a little time to put it together....  Thanks!

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and maybe you have Monday off (I do... woo hoo!).  Here's my weekend recap (which leads to the next part!): no*computer*time* (trying to set some boundaries. Kerrie, I'm right there with you, girl!).  Instead, lots of  quality time with Hubby, old friends we hadn't seen in YEARS (way too long... and had a great time!), and some much-needed on-the-couch-magazine-reading... sweet!  Notice what's missing?  

What I didn't get to do was r-u-n.  Bummer x 1000. Have been dealing with an old neck injury that resurfaces from time to time, and this past week was that week.  OMG  Instead of adding miles, I was adding meds to my running log notes....FAIL. 

It started as an out-of-whack wrenched neck muscle  when I woke up Saturday morning a week ago. Uh - oh... I slept funny.  Took Ibuprofen. Things went downhill from there. Tried to baby it w/ more Ibu, but to no avail.  I was determined darn it, to NOT let it get in the way of my Sunday long run (1/10).  Mistake. I headed out for my planned 11 miles, actually completed 10, and the last 4 of those I walked. It was cold for Orlando: low 30s with wind chill in mid 20s, windy, my right knee ached, and my neck, shoulder, and entire back began to scream with pain. Most miserable long run to date... for sure. I cried through those miles, wishing it was done.  So of course, the argument in my head began:

First voice: "This hurts so much. I need to quit running and blogging. I can't do this. I'm a failure."

The other voice: "Are you kidding me? Suck it up. Walk. Get yourself home. Quit being a baby. It's only one day and one run. Get over it and remember the OUC run."  For those who didn't read the post about one of the most inspirational runners I've ever met, you can check it out here. I swore I'd never complain during a run again. So I silenced the voices and walked into the wind, tears flowing, body aching, and determined to be a Big Girl about the whole crappy situation. 

What I didn't know was that those ten miles would lead to more downtime during the week. Turns out, I have logged a grand total of 0 miles for this week (Mon - today).  Wow! Now THAT just feels lousy to say! I was hoping for 5 miles on the treadmill today (limited distance and a softer surface).  Nope. Not to be. Nada. Stiff neck. Painful back. Only relief has been the Biofreeze recommended to me by Kathy (our Wed Winner last week... just another reason she's a winner in my book!!).  Thanks, Kathy.  Other than painkillers, which I cut in half and took only three times, the Biofreeze has been the only relief.  I'm going to try it on the cranky knees after my next long run which always leaves my knees locked up for the rest of the day, and they get smeared with Ben Gay or other stuff. I smell like an arthritic 85 year old. Chondromalacia.  Biofreeze will be my new best friend.  

With 23 miles logged for the year, I'm now behind by 7.  Since I'm a 'data gal,' this drives me crazy, but I'll get back on track and make up the miles even if it means treadmill city for a softer landing.  I will not compromise my first Half in March!  The neck pain shows up infrequently, but when it does, wow!  So, I will listen to my body and probably log more walking miles than running this week, but when we're smart about our running, we get to make it to the finish line, right?  When we don't listen to it.... sometimes we don't even get to show up at the starting line.

On a happy note, one of our Turtles blog friends, Libby, ran her first-ever race Saturday morning.  Check out her race recap as she tells how she came away with new bling, her first PR, a lighter wallet, and new epxeriences to share. Way to go, Libby! (Sorry about your keys!)

One more bit of info to share.... I packaged up the giveaway winners' boxes (both blogs) and took care of a Road ID gift certificate for Busy Running Mama and an awesome mag subscription for Becca over at my food blog... yay!  Hope you guys enjoy your prizes! I had fun putting them together and look forward to lots more giveaways this year! 

My Thankful Three

Today, I am thankful for:

- Great times with old friends(!)

- Quality weekend time w/ Hubby

- Running friends with good advice (sports bras, Biofreeze....you name it)

Happy running, friends,

Robin

Gals with Girls - A Sports Bra Review for You

Okay, the crowd for this post is pretty specific:

If you're a gal with girls and looking for extra support for your friends,

stick around and read on....

(or if you're a guy who knows a girl....well, you get the idea)

If not, feel free to click on the little red x in the upper right corner now. Go ahead. My feelings won't be hurt. 

Just stop back by another day!  

Okay, now that we've cleared the room, let's get down to business...

Can we talk?? I mean, really.

Gals, are you finding that your girls just aren't feeling as snug and comfy as they could when you run? Do gallon-size water jugs come to mind when you run?

Are you suffering from the uniboob? You know what I'm talking about: the smooshed-all-together-flat-as-a-pancake situation?

Are you wearing an underwire bra that jabs, pokes, and digs in*all*the*wrong*places?

Here's the deal: Been there. Done that.

Have a drawer full of sports bras to show for it.

Seriously, you can see my evolution in sports bras right there in the drawer. There are the little (none of my bras have ever been little!) basic sports bras with no cups, no underwire, and just, well... basic with little to no support, perfect for the gals whose girls have moved out since running shoes took up residence.

Then there are the underwire versions, which became the 'foundation bra' for me, with the basic ones over the top. Yes, I said, 'ones' because for a long time, I wore three sports bras when I headed out for a run.

But now.....

One bra. Supportive. Wire-free. Individual cups. Adjustable Straps. Back closures. Thank goodness!

No more climbing into and then out of a sweat-soaked, over-the-head, t-back bra...whew! That's a lot of work! And boy, if you get stuck with that thing wrapped around your head and the phone rings... I'm just saying! (You KNOW what I'm talking about!)

Growing as a runner (with girls) means evolving into your Big Girl Sports Bra (BGSB), that yes, may will cost more than the basic versions, BUT... will be worth every penny!

Two styles by Moving Comfort were recommended to me, both for C/D cup gals: Helena and Fiona.

The Helena bra has a wide band that fits snugly against your ribcage, below your girls, like the support of wire, but without the poking and jabbing.  Its cups are individualized, so you're not smooshed together and each one is firmly supported. The closure is in the back and has three hooks. The shoulder straps are wide, don't slip, and are adjustable in the front - a great feature for tightening up as much as you need/want to.  Great for those girls that are wanting to hang out with your fave running shoes! (Think about it.....)

This bra ran true to size, and I wore the cup size I normally would. The fabric is a synthetic that wicks moisture away from your skin; it feels and looks like neoprene... a little unusual, but not off-putting. This was my first experience with something that looked like an 'non-wire' bra, and frankly, I thought, "There is NO way this bra will keep my girls from doing their own dance during my run."  I was mostly wrong. The bra performed well with minimal bounce, but not completely bounce-free.  I'd rate it a 3 out of 5 because I'd like to have had no bounce... the point of the better-made, more expensive Big Girl Sports Bra (BGSB) and I couldn't completely warm up to the fabric.

The other sports bra, Fiona, quickly became my favorite, with a few colors already in my collection.  Its fit allowed me to go down one cup size. (Yay!).  The band under the girls isn't as wide as that of Helena's, but the bounce factor is as close to nonexistent as I think you can get. I like this bra a lot! The individualized cups encapsulate (good support/no smoosh factor) comfortably, and there are three hooks on the back closure; the website says they have four hooks on the 40 - 44" bands.  Nice support, indeed.  The shoulder straps, though not as wide as the Helena, do stay in place, and like Helena, are adjustable on the front.  Again, pull as tightly and highly as you wish* (see previous paragraph for comment on this!). The fabric is also synthetic, but not the neoprene-type like Helena.  I'd rate this bra 4 out of 5; I'd like the band around my ribcage/below my girls to be as wide as the Helena bra, for more support.

At about $45.00 retail, these bras definitely cost a little more than their basic cousins; however, good support is worth the extra few dollars you'll pay. And, there are others that are more expensive. Make the investment. Buy your BGSBs soon!

Note:  Every time I purchase a new one, our running store experts remind me to hook all the hooks before washing.  I also wash them in small lingerie laundry bags to protect my investment $$$! 

I'd like to try other sports bras (and everyday bras) in the Moving Comfort collection as well as some of their t-back styles to wear under singlets and racer-back summer running tops.  They seem to understand women's needs - in all shapes and sizes - with sports bras to DD/E, and have an interactive website to help you find what you need (or extra fun stuff you might like to have!).  YES!

Happy running (and BGSB shopping!), friends.....

Robin